There's Always a ~ Song Inside

Today was a really good day.  It was a busy day though and sometimes that means my reflection is done when the day finally ends.

One thing that never changes...there's always a song going on inside of me.  It can change throughout the day but - there's always a song.

I don't think it's because my income is earned from music.  In fact that could make it dull and boring because I'm working on, thinking about and teaching music all day long.

I think it's because music is so very important.  It's a way that I pray throughout the day and also a way I know what's going on inside of me.

"Sing unto the Lord a new song" (CC BY 2.0) by @markheybo

Sometimes I'm praising, sometimes I'm praying and sometimes...well I don't know why I'm singing what I'm singing...but I'm singing.

A dear friend sent me a cartoon that probably explains it best.  He always has a song going inside of him also.

(originator-unknown)

I bet you understand what it's like to have a song going on inside of you also.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

Sometimes NOT sleeping is a ~ Blessing

Couldn't get to sleep until early in the morning one day last week.  I knew I needed to sleep but it just wasn't going to happen.  So...I turned to YouTube and found some truly wonderful "new finds".

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

As I look back I realize it was life changing in some ways and I didn't miss the sleep at all.  Isn't life funny sometimes.

This is what I found:

1)  Andy Andrews telling his tale of singing Amazing Grace as a little boy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cINrWlfCPI

2)  "Piano Lessons" Comedy by Chondra Pierce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjcfdnqSvT0

3)  A song to play on my kindle at church or learn to sing ~ Gaither Vocal Band - "You Are My All in All - Canon in D"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDZZ0-F5EKk

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

We Three Kings ~ Frankincense and Myrrh

Today was the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.  The Three Kings joined us at our Nativity Manger.

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

I brought my Young Living Frankincense and Myrrh with me today.  I enjoyed passing the essential oils around to enrich our celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

CVS ~ Rain Checks

Coupons in hand - wanting to finish the "Boost" deal for this week (Buy $25 worth of Boost & receive a $10 Extrabucks rewards) and there's only one 6-pack of Boost on the shelf.  Oh no!


I asked the very nice Associate if there were any in the back.  Nope.

No problem - I now have a "Raincheck" - to include the Extrabucks Rewards deal.

Photo by Marques Thomas on Unsplash

CVS you just earned my future business - thank you!

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

Kroger ~ Mega Sale continues

There are a lot of beautiful things in my life that make me smile.  Today it was...Kroger's Mega Sale is going on for another week.

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

Yes!  Music to my ears - a big smile on my face!


I've been able to collect my coupons, plan my attack and come home with a good stock up of some things we really need.  Here are a few of the things I've saved on.  

Mission Tortilla chips - 89cents ~ Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat (8 oz) - $1.79 - 75 cent coupon ~ Valley Fresh (5 oz) canned chicken $.89 - 55 cent coupon and Hefty Slider Bags - $.99 - .50 coupon.

Like a hunter out to provide for their family - that's me but in the grocery store.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

Coupons ~ It's the end...of the year

Coupon users know - the end of the year is serious. So many coupons expire on 12-31.

Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash

Throw in a Kroger "Mega Event" that started today and the fun really begins!

I spent a delightful day in Kroger and Walmart today. I used my coupons. I also used my rebate apps (links are below) to help pay for my purchases.

Fetch - Ibotta - Shopkick

I didn't get a lot but what I got we can use and the savings help me put food on our table.

Thanks for visiting ~ more deals to come!  Reia

Reflections as we near Christmas Eve

As we near Christmas Eve and I prepare my music notebook for multiple services (4 Masses, Children's Choir performance & 1 adult Choir Concert between the hours of 5pm Christmas Eve & 11am Christmas Day)...I'm reflecting on some things.

1st - A lot of prayer and preparation has gone into the upcoming services. We've rehearsed, we've tweaked and we've discussed the best way to minister to the people. I will rest in the fact that we're prepared.

2nd - We're making memories and reviving memories for others as well as for ourselves. People often tell me they always went to Midnight Mass as a child with their families, their grandparents, etc. We're ready to continue the tradition to worship Christmas Eve - at Midnight.

3rd - We're a better team because we'll have another Christmas "under our belt" by 11am Christmas Day.

Most importantly of all - I'm peaceful in the knowledge that my Heavenly Father can take my meager efforts and touch the hearts of others. I don't know what others need but God does. He loves us as no one else can. John 3:16 says it best - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son..."

Thanks for visiting & Merry Christmas! Reia